A leading figure from Fermanagh's advice sector is set to take on a new role with the Rural Community Network (RCN).

Samantha Gallagher will leave her role as a Welfare Rights Specialist with Community Advice Fermanagh and take on her new role with the RCN in September.

She will take on the role of Policy and Public Affairs Officer with the RCN.

Throughout her career with Community Advice Fermanagh - formerly Citizen's Advice Fermanagh - Ms. Gallagher has been a voice for rural communities like Fermanagh.

She said: "I have seen over and over again how rural communities are left behind in policy-making, even by those purporting to speak for us.

"It was clear to me then that rural communities needed a larger platform and a strong policy voice."

She joined Citizen's Advice Fermanagh in 2018 and has been vocal on the move to Universal Credit (UC), using her knowledge to stand up for the people she has supported through her work and those who use the system.

Describing her advocacy, Ms. Gallagher said: "I used my platform to help push for change within this UC system, and along with other organisations, we collaboratively achieved an increase in the Free School Meals earnings threshold, mitigations against the bedroom tax and benefit cap, an increase in the local Housing Allowance rates, and a seat at the table to voice rural concerns."

She described her decision to leave Community Advice Fermanagh as "difficult", but said her "heart will always lie with Community Advice Fermanagh and the advice sector generally".

Continuing, Ms. Gallagher added: "It is my opinion that [those working in] the Advice Sector are widely underappreciated.

"They are in place to ensure independent, confidential and impartial advice. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise is second to none.

"They hold the Department for Communities to account and do it with respect and dignity on behalf of the people they represent.

"I will continue to advocate for the need for this independence in terms of advice."

A proud Fermanagh resident, Ms. Gallagher said she intends to "make sure Fermanagh’s voice is no longer left behind when it comes to decision making", and that she is "excited" to bring her policy work to the RCN.